Horner becomes oldest Grand Tour winner

Chris Horner made cycling history by becoming the oldest Grand Tour winner following his victory at the Vuelta a Espana.

At the age of 41, Horner finished 37 seconds ahead of Giro d'Italia winner Vincenzo Nibali to complete the biggest win of his professional career.

Vuelta triumph also sees Radioshack rider Horner become the first American to win the three-week tour, one of cycling's most esteemed races.

"I knew how hard it was going to be for this team to win the Tour of Spain," Horner said.

"I have faced younger, great riders like Nibali, [Alejandro] Valverde and Joaquim Rodriguez. They have had a great tour so, for me, it is a legendary moment that may not be repeated.

"I know I am also the first North American to win the Tour of Spain and this makes me very proud of my work and, above all, that of my team-mates."

Although disappointed with having to settle for second, Nibali was pleased with his achievements throughout the year.

"I can't complain with how my year has gone. I won the Giro and I came here with the intention to win again in the Tour of Spain," Nibali said. "I gave everything I had to wear the red jersey and defend it, but perhaps our strategy wasn't correct."